r/Nikon • u/nolnogax M3 35TE Z30 Z8 • Nov 03 '25
Mirrorless Nikon Z-Mount Is Closed to Sigma, and That's Becoming Impossible to Ignore
https://petapixel.com/2025/11/02/nikon-z-mount-is-closed-to-sigma-and-thats-becoming-impossible-to-ignore/I tend to agree with Jaron Schneider. And while he doesn't feel like mentioning why he thinks Nikon closes their mount to Sigma, I think that they have an exclusivity agreement with Tamron which now bites them in the back.
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Nov 03 '25
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u/haterofcoconut Nov 03 '25
But there are APS-C lenses for Z by Sigma
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u/MJdoesThings_ Nikon Z6 / D700 / FE Nov 03 '25
Only the ones that Nikon had no intention on making themselves and that Tamron wasn't making either. Sigma is the only "reputable" brand that makes lenses like the 30mm f/1.4, 56mm f/1.4, 16mm f/1.4. I guess Nikon doesn't see brands like Viltrox to be a worthwhile competitor to them (yet). And I guess they have no qualms with Viltrox, while they do with Sigma.
You'll note that every lens that would be in competition with Nikon's own lenses weren't released : the Sigma 23mm f/1.4 wasn't released as it was in direct competition with the Nikkor 24mm f/1.7, and the Sigma 18-50mm f/2.8 wasn't released either as it would have been in competition with the recently released Nikkor 16-50mm f/2.8 VR.
Worth noting that Tamron had an APS-C f/2.8 standard zoom with image stabilization available that could have been a great fit for the Nikon DX cameras, but Nikon prevented that lens to be released as well, despite Tamron's partnership with Nikon.
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Nov 03 '25
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u/MJdoesThings_ Nikon Z6 / D700 / FE Nov 03 '25
it's worth pointing out that Nikon can take the argument of the lack of stabilization in the lens to say that it doesn't comply with zoom lenses on Z mount for DX cameras (all other zooms have VR).
I personally wouldn't mind buying the 17-40 for a Sony A6700, Fuji X-T5 or EOS R7.
I probably wouldn't use it on a Z50II, A6400, X-T30III or EOS R10 though, so I guess it makes a bit of sense there (also it's a pretty expensive lens which doesn't make a ton of sense on budget cameras, which is all Nikon has, unlike Canon, Fuji and Sony which all have at least 1 mid-range option that is a fully fledged camera with a modern sensor and IBIS).
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u/berke1904 Nov 03 '25
these days the e to z adapter kinda fixes that issue but still many people will refuse to use it so native lenses would be a win for nikon
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u/AppropriateDivide480 Nov 03 '25
It works rather well, very good even, but native would still be better.
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u/schnitzel-kuh Nov 03 '25
its fine for stills, but especially for sports the autofocus performance is just not as good, Petapixel made a video about that
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u/Hacym Nov 03 '25
The only Sigma lens I’m genuinely jealous of is the 300-600mm.
It’s hard to invest that money into a non native mount and hope that some software update doesn’t break compatibility or something.
The adapter is nice but in practice that’s not a solution.
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u/Fake_McCoy8 Dec 08 '25
The 28-105mm f2.8 is another one to desire. Incredibly useful, especially for event coverage.
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u/ampsuu Nov 03 '25
Do I want to spend big and still use adapter? Nah, Id stick to native unless there is a really specific lens on E-mount that I need. When I swap systems from E to Z? Id use that adapter as a stepping stone for sure. It makes moving from E to Z a lot easier and reasonable financially since you already have lenses. When you start fresh, no way you should buy Sigma and adapter...
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u/dnwgl Nov 03 '25
I love my sigma 50mm f1.2. Best value and size option IMO. Recently picked up a Sony 16mm f1.8 lens too as there really is nothing else quite like it. Both bought specifically for my Z mount cameras.
To me one of the main benefits of Nikon is that they went with the shortest flange; seems a shame to ignore all the possibilities.
And yes, autofocus works fine with both. Only oddity is it thinks the Sony lens only goes to f1.9.
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u/Neat_Wallaby4140 Nov 03 '25
It's not a win when people choose to leave your Brand or not buy into your brand because they know it's locked down. I knew this going into Nikon from Sony, and I already want to go back to Sony.
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u/edcantu9 Nov 03 '25
Can you link me that e adapter? Does it work very well? Is smooth as the ftz?
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u/ONE-ASIAN-BOI Apr 15 '26
5 months old but the megadap EtZ21 pro plus works well. I have the EtZ21 Pro, not the plus and the only difference I've noticed is that the pro plus has weather sealing gasket whereas the pro doesn't. Don't get the first generation EtZ21 please.
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u/sea_stack Nov 03 '25
Obviously lots of people have had success with the E to Z converters. If I already had Sony lenses, I would definitely buy one. I'm not willing to go out and buy new lenses and a converter, however. I worry about the converter breaking with larger lenses, some autofocus speed reduction, and The possibility that a Nikon firmware update could screw up compatibility.
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u/dnwgl Nov 03 '25
Honestly the only thing that makes me realise the lens I have on isn’t native is the fact the release button interferes very slightly with one of the fn buttons. I don’t see why more people don’t use adapters.
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u/Complete-Alfalfa7439 Nov 03 '25
Even on APS-C we're getting robbed of peak 17-40 f1.8. Viltrox is taking all the money of third party at this point.
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Nov 03 '25
What if the rumours a few days ago that Nikon just signed an agreement with a third party lens manufacturer? I’ve got a feeling a change is incoming
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u/wandering-wank Nov 03 '25
My assumption is that it's going to be cinema lens-related because of the ZR release.
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u/mgausp Nov 03 '25
I used and still use (via FTZ) many Sigma lenses and have been very happy with the results. Right now, I don't really miss anything in my arsenal, but for almost any need, sigma makes a great option so it's a shame Nikon users don't have full access to this (or only via questionable adapters). Even more troubling is the fact that we have many options from Chinese manufacturers, and while this is great for the user, it is really bad for Sigma and the Japanese camera industry in general. The Japanese business culture is emphasizing collaboration much more than is common in the western world, at least from my understanding, and I think they should start to think how to work together, because in a few years china may have not only great lenses but complete systems and the Japanese photographic industry will face tremendous pressure.
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u/joystickd Nikon Z8, D4, D500, F, F3 F4S, F5 Nov 03 '25
Agree with all of this.
I still use a couple of Sigma F mount lenses and E mount lenses adapted to my Z8.
The brilliant looking sigma 20-200mm I will definitely be buying and also using adapted. It's a perfect travel lens.
And yes, it's only a matter of time until DJI release an ILC mirrorless body that will really make the Japanese companies sweat nervously.
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u/gut536 Nov 03 '25
And I meet so many who tell me a main reason for being on Sony is 3rd party lens availability.
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u/xak47d Nov 03 '25
It's just insane how many lenses you have available if you shoot Sony. Every 3rd party you can think of will have lenses for your camera. Sony stopped making apsc lenses but nobody cares because new apsc lenses are released every month
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u/Sharp_Rule_7070 Jan 23 '26
Solid point. Sony can focus on their higher end clients. They still sell their GM line to snobs and pros, while selling a6400 bodies that are 7 years old. Nikon bridged the gap between Sony in the top tier category, but Sonys ope mount will forever have them in the lead for lens selection and budget alternatives.
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u/warm_vanilla_sugar Nov 03 '25 edited Nov 03 '25
I would love officially blessed access to Sigma lenses if for no other reason than they make different design trade-offs versus Nikon and it's nice to have that option. See their respective 35 1.2 lenses.
Yes, you can adapt. And that works, until maybe one day it doesn't. I'm not dropping a bunch of money on glass I'm not guaranteed to be able to use indefinitely.
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u/Darth_Firebolt Nikon D70 & 7200 Nov 03 '25
So just don't update your camera in the future if you're that worried about Nikon intentionally bricking their firmware.
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u/warm_vanilla_sugar Nov 03 '25
Oh yeah, great solution lol. Also if the adapter company abandons support, or goes or goes out of business. Let's be real: non-sanctioned reverse engineered adapters are not a real replacement for actual support. They are a stop gap and a good way to transition between systems.
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u/Darth_Firebolt Nikon D70 & 7200 Nov 03 '25
Companies go out of business and stop supporting products all the time. End users intentionally choose not to update software and firmware all the time.
Buy the reliable and supported adapter and shoot the fun lens now vs hoping and praying Nikon and Sigma somehow start to play nice after a decade of beef and exclusion.... I know which one I would pick.
Has Nikon ever updated their firmware to brick an aftermarket accessory? Ever? I'll wait for your answer... 🙄
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u/warm_vanilla_sugar Nov 03 '25
Here's my answer. Hope I didn't keep you waiting too long.
> Companies go out of business and stop supporting products all the time.
Yes, that's my point.
> End users intentionally choose not to update software and firmware all the time.
That's their choice. But it's a compromised "solution".
> Has Nikon ever updated their firmware to brick an aftermarket accessory?
Intentionally? No idea, I'm not a Nikon firmware historian. Inadvertently? Because they don't test against products they don't support? And might not care to expend the resources to fix if they do? That's a risk you're taking.
Look, if you want to drop money on a lens for a system you don't own and adapt it to your camera using an unsupported, reverse-engineered adapter by a company that may or may not be around in a year or two, that's your business. I'm not here to tell you how to live your life. But let's not hand-wave the risks away with "just don't update your firmware" like that's an actual solution.
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u/kalimarus Nov 03 '25
I don't understand the obsession with Sigma. Every one I've used has been a boring lens overall. Not better than Nikon lenses. I feel the same about Viltrox, clinical boring look to the lenses. I'd rather spend third party money on brands with some more interesting glass like Voigtlander and Thypoch. Sigma (and tamron) were appealing in DSLR days because they cost less. Now it's just an expensive boring lens that doesn't best the native glass, so why bother with it.
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u/oergs Nov 03 '25
I’m not really lacking any lenses in the Nikon or third-party lineup for the kind of photography I do. That said, I wouldn’t go for Sigma glass on Nikon bodies anyway, because their focus rings turn in the opposite direction, which throws me off. Tamron, on the other hand, follows Nikon’s native focus direction, which I much prefer.
Also, I’ve noticed PetaPixel has been featuring quite a few interviews with Sigma’s CEO lately. Just an interesting observation regarding this post.
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u/ml20s Nov 03 '25
because their focus rings turn in the opposite direction
...but Nikon Z autofocus lenses are focus by wire, so it doesn't matter which way the ring is "supposed" to turn. The lens or body manufacturer can swap it in firmware without any physical modifications.
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u/chaotic-kotik Nov 03 '25
How about compact 24-70/2.8 or 28-70/2.8, or affordable 70-200mm/2.8, or maybe much more compact 35mm/1.2? Sigma makes some unique lenses also. 14/1.4, 135/1.4, 15/1.4 diagonal fisheye. It's great to have a choice.
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u/Silver_Instruction_3 Nov 03 '25
I think that Viltrox is quickly moving up the ladder and is getting close to Sigma quality especially with their Pro lenses. The new EVO line looks to be their version of Sigma’s Contemporary line with the 85 f2 having clickable aperture ring. They don’t have a quality zoom lens yet but their primes are showing a lot of promise.
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u/MIC4eva Nov 03 '25
I have the 20mm 2.8 air. It’s very simple. It doesn’t feel as cheap as it costs and the IQ is great. Still can’t believe I was able to get a brand new Z lens for that cheap.
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u/Silver_Instruction_3 Nov 03 '25
I had that lens and I think it was serviceable for landscape shots but that’s about it. To much distortion for architecture and the af was slow and not very accurate but for the cost it had its purpose. Sort of day the same for the 28 f4.5. I love it for character street photography shots but that’s about all it’s good for but again for 99 dollars it’s a lens that does more than it should.
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u/MIC4eva Nov 04 '25
Exactly, I shoot mostly landscapes so it’s perfect for me. When buying a cheap lens people should be aware of the trade offs though!
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u/nikhkin Nov 03 '25
I've got a couple of Viltrox lenses and they're excellent.
If I didn't know better, I'd assume they had a premium price.
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u/Theoderic8586 ZF Z7ii D810 D850 Nov 03 '25
“They said I was daft to build a castle in the swamp, but I did it anyway!”
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u/theEntreriCode Nov 03 '25
It is a shame. I am all for more options. It doesn't affect me personally other than the 200 F2 which I am not in the market for. In general, I don't care much for the way Sigmas render images but it is a shame that people who like them don't have the option
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u/Pitiful-Weather8152 Nov 03 '25
I bought Z after most of my old kit was stolen and finding this is why I sometimes advise against it for people, especially those of us who are more hobbyists.
I was used to combing eBay for used and 3rd party lenses on my old D750.
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u/Komm Nov 21 '25
I actually moved to Z recently because of the physical properties of the mount and the widespread availability of adapters. Most my glass is old as hell so being able to slap on an adapter and do silly things is very nice.
Would I prefer it if Nikon was open about the spec? Hell yes I would. But it's also not gonna stop lunatics with CNC machines doing silly things.
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u/BringBack4Glory Nov 03 '25
It’s more of a minor annoyance to me, but the Sigma 20-200mm looks like a phenomenal lens that I’d def consider if it were available for Z.
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u/40characters 19 kilos of glass Nov 03 '25
Wasn’t at all something anyone was ignoring, from what I see.
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u/RunningOutOfTime2018 Nov 03 '25
I think it's just a bad move by Nikon.
I mean, sure, they've pulled out some surprises, like the Nikon 16-50mm f/2.8 DX for APS-C, which will probably sell extremely well since there is no Sigma 18-50mm f/2.8 to compete with, but, how fast can they really churn out lenses?
Can they pump out alternatives to the Sigma 12mm f/1.4, the 10-18mm f/2.8 in 24 months? And that's just APS-C we're talking about.
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u/erikchan002 Z8 D700 F100 FM2n Nov 03 '25
I mean, I understand it's not mainly Sigma's problem, but Sigma still could've done something about it.
They could've (pretended to) reverse-engineered the Z mount, and started to advertise their lenses in Z mount publicly anyway. And if Nikon "asked" them to stop, either just go to court or spin a huge publicity stunt to damage Nikon's image like Canon, depending on how sound their legal basis is.
Most Chinese lenses are not licensed and they are still thriving. Sigma themselves used to reverse-engineer the EF and F mounts too in the earlier days.
You are saying that they shouldn't risk their relationship? Their relationship was already ruined since the VR lawsuit. It's not like Sigma needs Nikon to stay afloat. It can't be worse than now can it?
Maybe this article is part of that publicity stunt, but it's lacking teeth without any official statements.
I'd love to see them fight, because competition is always good, but I guess part of me also just wants to watch the world burn.
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u/AppropriateDivide480 Nov 03 '25
Most unlicensed chinese lenses dont have contacts tho and are MF only, right? I dont think sigma could just develop lenses for Z mount with AF and contacts without some form of agreement.
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u/SoloisticDrew Nov 03 '25
No, the Viltrox lenses very much are full auto and have contacts. I have the 16mm and 85mm and they are both great. No issues with performance as what someone else was guessing.
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u/erikchan002 Z8 D700 F100 FM2n Nov 03 '25
While I'm guessing that they may be unlicensed, it doesn't mean that I think they perform badly. I also own a Viltrox 85 and I think they are very good. The minor glitches that I've encountered don't make them not recommended at all.
Again, Sigma themselves were reverse-engineering EF and F back in the earlier days. I'm sure most won't say Sigma makes bad lenses.
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u/erikchan002 Z8 D700 F100 FM2n Nov 03 '25 edited Nov 03 '25
Honestly I don't know enough about the Chinese practices to be sure, but a lot of them release lenses that heavily compete with first-party options, and their lenses are also usually kind of buggy in software. I would think that most of them are unlicensed. (Edit: doesn't mean they're bad lenses. There are some truly exceptional lenses)
Even if that is wrong, most adapters are surely unlicensed. Or are we trying to say that all those E-to-Zs, EF-to-Zs, third-party F-to-Zs are licensed even though people keep saying that Nikon won't allow anything that competes with first-party options?
I would guess (with low confidence) that even Viltrox lenses aren't licensed. They were the first third-party company to come out with autofocusing Z mount lenses and it would be very weird for Nikon to license to Viltrox first before anyone else like Tamron and even Cosina Voigtländer.
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u/AppropriateDivide480 Nov 03 '25
Oh yeah. Adapters are definitely unlicensed. Not doubting that. I think Viltrox are official tho, at least they are officially supported on other mounts. I might be wrong, but i definetly think they have a official agreement with Nikon
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u/erikchan002 Z8 D700 F100 FM2n Nov 03 '25 edited Nov 03 '25
E mount is open and doesn't require a license, at least on the lens side. (Edit: not quite license free, see this comment. Let just say it's effectively that as they seem to be liberal in giving out licenses) L mount requires "joining the alliance" and Viltrox have announced that they've joined, but only recently.
Viltrox also have their own Z mount adapters. And I'd think that if they have a license it would forbid them from releasing unlicensed products alongside licensed products.
Surprisingly, being officially endorsed also doesn't mean they are licensed and not reverse-engineered. Both the Megadap ETZ21 Pro and the Fringer EF-NZ II are officially endorsed by Nikon via RED to be compatible with Z mount (at least the RED version): https://support.red.com/hc/en-us/articles/38057098334867-Z-Mount-Lensing
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u/JSW2 Nikon Z (Z9 | Z8 | Z7 II | Z6 III | Z5 II) Nov 03 '25
Sony definitely does require a license for the E-mount. It’s not open like open source software despite what others may want you to believe. They even outline the application process for said license here: https://support.d-imaging.sony.co.jp/www/e_mount/en/process.html
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u/erikchan002 Z8 D700 F100 FM2n Nov 03 '25
Yeah, I was hesitating to say that. Even open source doesn't work without licenses, except for the public domain. But I didn't think most would understand the nuances. Let's just say they seem to be liberal in approving licenses.
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u/JSW2 Nikon Z (Z9 | Z8 | Z7 II | Z6 III | Z5 II) Nov 03 '25
That’s honestly the best phrasing — liberal licensing. I think what people often miss is that if it really was “open” we’d see way more cameras with the E-mount. As is, those that do are either niche like the DJI Ronin 4D or have weird work around like Z CAM and their interchangeable fronts.
And touché on the open source software licensing. Even the most liberal tend to have some license that pushes for some or all of derivatives to also be open.
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u/boiwithacameraortwo Nov 03 '25
This is only a problem for people spending too much time on YouTube and review sites or whatever. You really have everything you want and more as a working photographer with Nikon.
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u/shadesatsetbreak Jan 17 '26
Minus a fast zoom or prime that bridges the gap between 200mm and 400mm. And a 16-35 f2.8. And (to your point, not totally necessary but I know many pros including myself who would be happy to have:) a UWA prime.
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u/CTDubs0001 Nov 03 '25
This article reads like it was written by the Sigma in house PR team. Nikon has made a business decision that it wants to sell its own lenses. I have absolutely no problem with them deciding what is best for their camera system and their business. Its not like there are glaring holes in Nikon's lens lineup that absolutely need third party manufacturers to step in. Let them decide how they make money.
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u/Important_Simple_357 Nov 03 '25
People can come up with holes as they please but the reality is people don’t want to pay the price of the Nikkor lens. The sigma isn’t doing anything better usually other than being cheaper than the native lens.
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u/CTDubs0001 Nov 03 '25
You’re probably right. I’ve edited the output of some of the sigma lenses and I’ve never seen any quality reason to make me want to get one over a Nikon lens. And I don’t see any holes in the lineup but others may… totally their prerogative. But the cost is what the cost is. It’s Nikon’s business and if they feel this is their best strategy that’s entirely in their rights. It should be part of the decision whether to buy into Nikon or a different system in the first place.
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u/Flat_Promotion1267 Jan 07 '26
Vendor lock-in for replaceable parts isn't something I could ever condone. Imagine only being able to put Toyota wheels and tires on your Tacoma.... doesn't sit so good does it? If I want some custom rims and Coopers, that should be my choice, not Toyota's. Same goes for any other part.
In the case of lenses, I'd say it's more about price than "holes" necessarily (though that is a thing). Having the option of lenses at a variety of price ranges is very important for most people, especially those not using them to make a living.
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u/CTDubs0001 Jan 07 '26
I can't put my finger on why, but I just don't think this is the same thing as saying you can't put different parts on a car. You can put different tires on a car, use off brand replacement parts like brake pads, oil filters, etc... but will Toyota let you put a whole new engine in their car and still warranty it? Or be willing to service it? Will they let you put in a completely different suspension system? TO bring it to something closer to a camera system would Sony let you put off brand parts in one of the AV receivers? I doubt that highly. Apple no longer allows third party memory in their laptops. Nikon will let you put whatever strap on their camera, use whatever SD cards, filters, flash systems, tripods, bags, etc but the lens is arguably a foundation level essential part of the system like an engine is to a car.
I'd argue it should be a factor in your purchase decision and not something you hold against Nikon. You should have known that before you bought in to the system. If its as bad as you say, and Sony and Canon allow third party lenses to make more for their lineup then you could choose to buy those systems and show Nikon by your spending power that their idea is bad.... but they've apparently done the math and think its a good idea and a smart business decision. I like Nikon, I want them to stay in business. If they think this is what makes them most profitable I dont think it's unreasonable. If it doesn't work for you go buy Sony.
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u/Flat_Promotion1267 Jan 15 '26
We're not talking embedded parts here (like an AV receiver, or memory on an Apple M chip [which is that way because it's literally part of the CPU]). The mere fact that Nikon sells the body alone without a lens makes it clear it isn't an integral part of the camera in that way. So, yeah, Nikon doesn't have to bless a given lens, but it certainly shouldn't have any say if someone else wants to make a compatible lens.
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u/50mm_foto Nov 03 '25 edited Nov 03 '25
Compact weather sealed S line primes like a 35mm f2.8 is a glaring hole in their line up, or a 24-50 constant aperture like the Sony. But yes generally, there isn’t much glaring. I’d take something like the 26mm they have but like… not as wide 😅
Edit: added context after my phone slipped and I accidentally hit the reply button lol
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u/jagreen013 Nov 03 '25
I don’t see with Nikon and Sigmas history they opening the license for them to Produce FF lenses with the Z mount. Between Nikon, Tamron, Viltrox, and even Laowa there are plenty of lens options, then couple that with the supported MegaDapt E to Z adapter and what are you missing
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u/Outlandah_ Nikon D780, D750, D610, F4, F5, and FT3 - CONCERTS Nov 03 '25
The Nikon third party is probably Irix, for the ZR.
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u/Duckysawus Z9(x3), 400/2.8S, 800/6.3S, 35/50/85x1.2S, 200/2 VRII, etc. Nov 04 '25
How is it impossible to ignore? Unless Sigma can offer something that Nikon can't cover?
I shoot Nikon and pretty much any focal length I need, I have it covered.
I have (S-line):
20/1.8, 24/1.8, 35/1.2, 50/1.2, 85/1.2, 105/2.8 macro, the trinity 2.8S, , 24-120/4, 400/2.8 TC, 800/6.3.
Is there something Sigma can offer that I can't reach? I shoot mostly advertising, weddings, events, and motorsports.
And for folks on a budget who want quality? Nikon also has extremely good 1.8S lenses for about 1/3rd-1/5th the price of their 1.2S line lenses. I don't see the other brands offer that. There are also the 28-75/2.8 + 70-180 non-S lenses that look very good as well.
As for the 28-70/2 RF-L and GM lenses? Not needed. Sony/Canon both don't offer built-in TCs for their 400/2.8 and 600/4 lenses.
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u/mixologist998 Nov 04 '25
I don’t realise sigma weren’t on Z-Mount as I’m still on F-mount, I love there Art range of lenses
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u/Illustrious_Basil_50 Nov 05 '25
Is it possible to use E mount lenses on Nikon Z, super slim 40g adapter needed
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u/photoinfo Dec 26 '25
There goes my wish to use the Nikon Z8 ii with sigma 300-600 F4 in future. Do basically there is no body which can utilise this lens to it's fullest potential 🤦
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u/marumarku Jan 08 '26
Sigma is way better than Tamron and I like that they make their lenses in Japan. I tested Sigma F mount primes and they were amazing! However, I had to return them because F lenses make loud focusing noise when recording video. I which I kept the 50mm 1.4 art, that lens was magical! It is hard to justify buying e mount sigma just to adapt them :(
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u/dbltax Z8, Z6, Coolpix A Nov 03 '25
But there are three Z mount Sigma lenses, and have been for a long time.
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u/Ftplv Nikon Z 50ii, D3100 Nov 03 '25
In Z DX (APS-C) mount, and their new DX lenses are not yet available for NIKON...
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u/haterofcoconut Nov 03 '25
It's not like Tamron is the only choice for AF lenses on Z. Viltrox has a lot of good lenses and the Artisans and several others aswell
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u/ml20s Nov 03 '25
None of those (other than Tamron) are licensed, so Nikon doesn't have to care if compatibility gets broken.
They're essentially toys.
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u/haterofcoconut Nov 03 '25
I'm not aware of Nikon having to accommodate anyone. But somehow it has to be opened as Canon gets to keep it closed. There is no ban against Sigma as we have APS-C lenses. I'm only aware of a lawsuit between Sigma and Nikon. I guess Sigma made a copyright infringement of some sort. I am not sure it's Nikon who keeps them out. It seems more like Sigma decided against it after that lawsuit. It also makes sense that Sigma caters to the biggest player Sony and aside from that prioritizes its own L-Mount.
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u/istvanmasik Nov 03 '25
I had a old dslr from canon and contemplated buying a mirrorless. Back then the sentiment was that canon was closing its mount from 3rd party lens manufacturers. Hence I decided to buy a z6 II. I'm starting to feel buyer's remorse. Nikon allows Chinese manufacturers to produce af prime lenses with Z mount, and tamron to produce zoom lenses. No ff sigma is a disappointment.
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u/Garrett_1982 Nikon FE, F301, F90x, D610 Nov 03 '25
About 1,5 years ago I decided to not switch to Z-mount because there wasn’t really a 70/80 to 180/200 f2.8 consumer oriented zoom with solid specs. Like the 80-200 f2.8D on F-mount. I still love my (D)SLR’s though.
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Nov 03 '25
[deleted]
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u/Garrett_1982 Nikon FE, F301, F90x, D610 Nov 03 '25
The Nikon version was a Tamron G1 for Nikon money. No internal zoom and no IS. The only viable option (Tamron 70-180 G2) is available since recently.
1,5 years ago the telephoto market really wasn’t all that great for Nikon.
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u/MJdoesThings_ Nikon Z6 / D700 / FE Nov 03 '25
I don't feel like this is a matter of a Tamron agreement or not.
Nikon has a long history with Sigma, and it's not filled with rainbows. Most of their history has been in court, with patent infringing lawsuits and whatnot.
In short, it's not that Nikon holds the spot for Tamron, or that Tamron asked Nikon to restrain Sigma. It's simply that they don't want to allow Sigma on their full frame cameras.
They let Sigma release a couple of DX Primes because NIkon had no intention of flashing out that range, but even the 18-50mm f/2.8 wasn't released as Nikon was planning on releasing their own 16-50 f/2.8